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World Index

Belgium is well known for many things - its art, cathedrals, medieval cities, castles, fine chocolates and beers. The land is generally flat and crossed with waterways and dykes. Belgium is the home of both NATO and the European Union (EU).

The mainland consists mainly of a large peninsula and many islands, bordering Germany and both the Baltic and the North Sea. The country is one of the flattest in the world; with very few places much above sea level it also has two off-shore territories; Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

France will always be famous for its wine exports, Paris for monuments such as the Eiffel tower and fine buildings such as The Louvre. France's famous include Marie Antoinette, former queen of France, Napoleon Bonaparte, Christian Dior and Coco Chanel.

The home to many a famous composer, scientist and fashion designer, Germany is dotted with famous cities, all packed with history. Berlin is perhaps most famous for its wall, built by the communists and effectively splitting Germany into two countries.

Italy is a country of diverse culture. From famous car manufacturers to architecture and operas, the Italian influence spreads the world over. The land is fertile and large. Export commodities include tomatoes and grapes, not to mention olive oil which is said to be the best in the world.

Italy has given us many famous people from Archimedes, the mathematician, to Gianni Versace, the fashion designer, and a host of others in between.

Malta, a country composed of three major islands, is located in the Mediterranean Sea south of Italy. It became a British colony in 1814 only to gain independence in 1964. Tourism is the main industry in Malta. Malta is a Roman Catholic Country.

Almost 50% of the Netherlands is at, or below, sea level with the threat that the North Sea will increase this proportion. Famous for its windmills and traditional clogs, the Netherlands also exports flowers. Amsterdam, the capital city, is renowned for being free thinking and forward in its approach to modern day living.

In northern Europe, Norway is bordered by Sweden, Finland, and Russia. With a vast coastline on the North Atlantic Ocean, Norway is home to the fjords which cut deep between the mountains and glaciers. Norway is one of the wealthiest countries in the world in part due to its participation in petroleum production.